What's the Best Run-Flat Performance Tire? We Can Tell You!

With more and more vehicles coming equipped with run-flat tires from the factory, the tire industry has been working hard to offer drivers a better selection than just the vehicle's Original Equipment. While some buyers will elect to replace their run-flats with non-run-flat tires (for a variety of reasons), most cars are no longer being sold with a spare tire, jack or lug wrenches. Therefore, run-flat tires are the only option for many.

Last fall, we assembled our BMW 3 Series test cars with the latest in run-flat offerings from Bridgestone, Kumho, Michelin and Pirelli. The tires were driven in both wet and dry conditions on our test track, and along our Real World Road Ride route that consists of two-lane roads, four-lane roads, expressways and other roads with a variety of surfaces . Bridgestone has been the primary supplier of run-flat tires as Original Equipment for BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which puts them as the benchmark for all other brands. While the Potenza RE050A I RFT scored well in our test, it was outperformed by the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP that offers a better level of comfort and wet traction.

If you own a car with run-flat tires and hesitate to run the risk of being stranded with a non-run-flat tire, consider the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP as a comfortable and great handling tire. For more information on our testing, read "Testing Performance Summer Run-Flat Tires."

Comments

Friday, August 24, 2012 byDoc
Ray,
The last "head to head" test was done several years ago, and gave Michelin the edge in dry traction and the Bridgestone the edge in wet. Factoring other criteria like road noise, braking distance, skidpad results, and so on the Michelin was the better tire by a noticable margin. Since the test, Bridgestone has introduced the Potenza S-04 Pole Position that is a better tire than the PS2 and just behind Michelin's eventual replacement the Super Sport.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 bymorris kline
I need my cost for four equivalent to Bridgestone's B-380 p225/60R17 98T Run Flat

Monday, July 1, 2013 bydoc
Morris,
We stock the Bridgestone B380, and it is currently priced at $ 175 per tire (plus shipping). Our least expensive run flat is the Bridgestone Turanza EL400 for $ 169 per tire (plus shipping). Prices may vary over time, so please call in for the current price.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013 byRob
I need to replace all the Potenza RE050A I tires on my 2011 BMW328xi sedan Sport (staggered fitting). Please will you suggest All Season RFT BMW approved options for this vehicle.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 byDoc
Rob,
Assuming you have the 225/45R17 and 255/40R17 sizes, our only All season (run flat) option is the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT (see link below)

Thursday, May 1, 2014 byMark
I had a blowout on the rear RFT on my 2011 BMW 335i Sport vehicle. Bridgestone - Potenza 255/35R18 90W on rear and
Potenza 225/40R18 88W on front. I have 29,000 miles on vehicle. BMW dealer said I needed to replace tires at about 25,000 miles when I was last in for service. Now I have no choice. I'm looking to replace all 4 tires and was wondering what your recommendation would be. I've been reading a lot of the comments and I probably will plan on staying with the RFT since there is no spare. I live in NJ and the vehicle is not used much in the winter. However, I would prefer a tire that has a smoother ride if that is possible. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.

Friday, May 9, 2014 byDoc
Mark,
Due to the (added) sidewall reinforcements that run flat tires have, we have found that most runflat tires will have fairly comparable levels of comfort. Based on our internal tests, I'd have you look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS (runflat) at the following link for a small change in ride comfort but (hopefully) with more durability than your stock tires;

Thursday, July 31, 2014 byAkhi
Hey Doc,
I have a F30 i.e 2012 bmw 328i sports pkg.
Tire size: 225/45/18.
One of my stock tire has a bubble on it and nearly 24000, so i thought i will replace all the 4 tires. I live in CA.
So i think summer tires should be good, as there no snow here.
I went to American tire company and they recommended Bridge-stone Drive Guard. But when i put those tires on my BMW, i don't get the handling or good traction, i feel like i am driving accord or corolla, no grip on the road. Could you please suggest me a good tire for my Car.
I checked out the Bridges tone 960a/s
and Michelin super sport, both don't come in my car recommended size 225/45/18.
-> So should i update my tires to 245/40/18.
-Would i loose warranty if i update to different tires?
- Would there be any impact in the the driving.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014 byIsh
Hey Akhi, i too have a f30 335i luxury line and i have the exact same issue.
My original tires Bridgestone Potenza (Front -225/45/18) now has a bubble and causes vibration in the car. Cure has about 35,000 miles. Factory fitted tires are very noisy feels like i am driving a cheap car.
I am planing to ditch the run flats all together but a friend of mine said that normal tires would not make a huge difference.

Changing the tire size or the aspect ration causes speedo to be incorrect and also effects the traction controller. at least thats what i heard. so my advice, stick to the same size.

Saturday, January 3, 2015 byDoc
Akhi,
245/40R18 will require at least an 8" wide wheel, and since we do not have the specs on the Original Equipment wheel you will need to check the specs on your wheel to ensure fitment. The 245/40R18 is safe to use on the vehicle to be sure. I'd go with the Super Sport !

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 byDavid
I have Bridgestone potenza 225/50 r16 tires on a BMW 320i . I want to change one of the tires. What options do you recommend

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 byBruce
I have a 2007 BMW 335i Coupe with Sport Pkg, and 19inch wheels. What are my best options for replacing the original Bridgestone run flats?

thanks for your help

Saturday, April 9, 2016 byDoc
Bruce,

Assuming you are using 225/40R19 and 255/35R19 sizes, the most durable tire option will be the Pirelli Cinturato P7 AS runflat;